Tuesday, February 2, 2016

SPIRITUAL EXPLORATIONS -- 61

WE ARE EXPLORING THE PRACTICE
OF HUMILITY

+ Masters of the Japanese tea ceremony use the
term kokoro ire, or "inclusion
of the heart's spirit." The best tea ceremonies have nothing to do with
fancy surroundings or making a good impression; the determinant of success is
the sincere and humble heart of the host.

+ In their book
review of 24/7, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat say the author is “A master
teacher of the way of enlightenment (who) makes everyday spirituality come
alive.” Here is an excerpt from the
review:

With an ease that comes from spiritual
maturity, Sudo delivers one marvel after another in this astute reading of zen
truths residing in work, exercise, eating, laughter, and sleep.

Or as the author puts it — "Zen teaches
that our approach to today determines our whole approach to life. The Japanese
call this attitude Ichi-nichi issho: 'Each day is a lifetime.'

+ So, then, this
state of humility we are working on could be considered everyday
hospitality. It is an attitude to be
practiced 24/7.